Antidepressants 'linked to brain injury'RSS Feed

Antidepressants have been linked to brain injury of developing brains during pregnancy in an animal study.

Rats that were given a commonly prescribed antidepressant drug during brain development were seen to exhibit brain abnormalities and behaviours.

These changes, caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are characteristic of autism spectrum disorders, according to the study published in journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dr Rick C S Lin, of the University of Mississippi, warned that it would be premature for pregnant women to stop taking SSRIs on the back of this study.

"A pregnant mother may do more harm to her baby through untreated depression than by taking prescribed SSRIs. This study is a starting point and a lot more research needs to be done," he said.

This follows comments from Camilla Swain of Ecominds, who said that exercise can be a "great alternative treatment" for depression as it improves mood, raises self-esteem, cuts stress and provides purpose and meaning.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by brain injury

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